That problems exist in US-Russian relations is evident.

After Russian President Vladimir Putin decided not to attend the G8 meeting in the United States, US President Barack Obama will skip the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vladivostok in autumn.

But the international community hopes that the ties between the two countries will not deteriorate further. Stable relations are essential to help promote the global economic recovery and solve regional problems.

Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union, US-Russian ties have progressed despite setbacks and adjustments. And the depth and breadth of bilateral cooperation were unimaginable just decades ago.

However, there has been growing tension recently between the two countries over US-led NATO pushing ahead with a missile system in Europe, their differing stances toward the crisis in Syria and the efforts of the United States to influence the presidential election in Russia.

For Moscow the root cause of the problems souring their relations is the US' lack of respect for Russia's status as a power and the fact that the US does not treat Russia as an equal partner.

Since the end of the Cold War, the US has become more and more hasty when dealing with complex and tough international issues. There are many reasons to explain this change, for example, the need to divert domestic attention from troubles at home, a lack of self-confidence in the face of the collective rising of emerging powers and the need to keep its traditional allies on its side. But the main reason is its indifference to other powers.

However, big powers are not just a product of their comprehensive national power, but also their history and culture, and their willingness to develop according to their own national conditions.

Mature and stable powers should not be arrogant or frivolous. They need to know how to respect one another.

Mutual respect is essential for maintaining stable international relations.

(China Daily 05/15/2012 page8)